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Fort Worth Overview
Fort Worth, TX Code of Ordinances
FORT WORTH, TEXAS CODE OF ORDINANCES
OFFICIALS of the CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
PART I: THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH
PART II: CITY CODE
CHAPTER 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 2: ADMINISTRATION
CHAPTER 2.5: RETIREMENT
CHAPTER 3: AIRPORTS AND AIRCRAFT
CHAPTER 4: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
CHAPTER 5: AMBULANCES/EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
CHAPTER 6: ANIMALS AND FOWL
CHAPTER 7: BUILDINGS
CHAPTER 8: CABLE COMMUNICATION SERVICE
CHAPTER 9: COMMUNITY FACILITIES AGREEMENTS
CHAPTER 10: COURTS
CHAPTER 11: ELECTRICITY
CHAPTER 11.5: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 12: EMERGENCY REPORTING EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 12.5: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND COMPLIANCE
CHAPTER 13: FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION
CHAPTER 14: RESERVED
CHAPTER 15: GAS
CHAPTER 16: HEALTH AND SANITATION
CHAPTER 17: HUMAN RELATIONS
CHAPTER 18: LAKE WORTH
CHAPTER 19: LIBRARIES
CHAPTER 20: LICENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 21: RESERVED
CHAPTER 22: MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
CHAPTER 23: OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 24: PARK AND RECREATION
CHAPTER 25: RESERVED
CHAPTER 26: PLUMBING
CHAPTER 27: POLICE
CHAPTER 28: PUBLIC UTILITIES
CHAPTER 29: SIGNS
CHAPTER 29.5: SMOKING
CHAPTER 30: STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
CHAPTER 31: SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 32: TAXATION
CHAPTER 33: TREES, SHRUBS, ETC.
CHAPTER 34: VEHICLES FOR HIRE
CHAPTER 35: WATER AND SEWERS
CHAPTER 36: RESERVED
APPENDIX A: ZONING REGULATIONS
APPENDIX B: CODE COMPLIANCE
APPENDIX C: RESERVED
CODE COMPARATIVE TABLE
CHAPTER 2: ADMINISTRATION
   Article
      I.   IN GENERAL
      II.   APPOINTED OFFICIALS
      III.   BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
      IV.   DEPARTMENTS UNDER CONTROL OF THE CITY MANAGER
      V.   HUMAN RESOURCES
      VI.   RESERVED
      VII.   CODE OF ETHICS
      VIII.   RECORDS MANAGEMENT
      IX.   PERSONAL LIABILITY INDEMNITY PLAN
      X.   PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
      XI.   PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
      XII.   FEE SCHEDULES
Cross-reference:
   Courts, see Ch. 10
   Department of aviation and aviation advisory board, see §§ 3-16 et seq.
   Department of public health, see §§ 16-31 et seq.
   Department of public libraries, see §§ 19-16 et seq.
   Emergency management, see Ch. 11.5
   Fire department, see §§ 13-21 et seq.
   Human relations commission, see §§ 17-16 et seq.
   Office of utilities supervision, see §§ 28-16 et seq.
   Park and recreation department, see §§ 24-36 et seq.
   Planning and development department, see §§ 2-310 et seq.
   Police, see Ch. 27
   Subdivision ordinance, see Ch. 31
   Zoning regulations, see App. A
Section
Article I. In General
   2-1   City council—Special meetings
   2-2   Same—Voting, rules of procedure
   2-3   Inquiries into officers, employees—Authority of city
   2-4   Same—Uncooperative witnesses
   2-5   Same—Attachments and other appropriate writs
   2-6   Disposition of collected money
   2-7   Payment of city taxes
   2-8   Tax certificates
   2-9   Contract execution; amendments; change orders
   2-10   Regulations applicable to certain appointed city officials and their departments
   2-11   Reserved
   2-12   Reimbursement of necessary expenses incurred by members of the city council in performance of their official duties
   2-13   Conveyance of tax foreclosure property to eligible housing nonprofit organizations for the development of low income housing
   2-14   Procedures for granting local preferences in purchasing and contracting for certain personal property and services
   2-15   Former city officers
   2-16—2-25   Reserved
Article II: Appointed Officials
Division 1: City Manager
   2-26   City manager
   2-27   Divisions of the city manager
Division 2: City Attorney
   2-28   City attorney
Division 3: City Secretary
   2-29   City secretary
   2-30   Copying, typing, materials, fee
   2-31   Disposition of fees
   2-32   Assistance city secretary and assistant to the city secretary—Offices created
   2-33   Same—Duty in absence of city secretary
Division 4: City Auditor
   2-34   Established
   2-35   City internal auditor, appointment, qualification, compensation
   2-36   Term; removal; absence or disability of city internal auditor
   2-37   Administration, powers and duties of the department of internal audit
   2-38   Appointment of employees
   2-39—2-45   Reserved
Article III: Boards and Commissions
Division 1: Generally
   2-46   Role of the city secretary’s office
   2-47   Appointment process for boards and commissions that are structured utilizing by-district representation
   2-48—2-55   Reserved
Division 2: Art Commission and Public Art Program
   2-56   Purposes
   2-57   Definitions
   2-58   Fort Worth art commission created; composition; term
   2-59   Powers and duties
   2-60   Administration of the public art plan
   2-61   Funding
Division 3: Composition and Role of By-District Boards and Commissions
   2-62   Aviation advisory board—created; composition; appointment; compensation
   2-63   Board of adjustment
   2-64   Building Standards Commission
   2-65   Community development council
   2-66   Historic and cultural landmarks commission
   2-67   Library advisory board
   2-68   Park and recreation advisory board
   2-69   Pedestrian and bicycle advisory commission
   2-70   Plan commission
   2-71   Urban design commission
   2-72   Zoning commission
   2-73—2-79   Reserved
Division 4: Rules and Procedures for Certain City Boards
   2-80   Sunset provisions
   2-81   Absence rule
   2-82   Reserved
   2-83   Number of members and terms of service; establishment of places
Division 5: The Community Development Council
   2-84   Reserved
   2-85   Community development council
   2-86   Administrative support
   2-87   Power and duties
   2-88—2-95   Reserved
Article IV: Departments Under Control of the City Manager
Division 1: Information Technology Solutions
   2-96   Establishment and supervision of department
   2-97   Department employees
   2-98   Department duties
   2-99   Executive steering committee
Division 2: Department of Diversity and Inclusion
   2-100   Establishment and supervision
   2-101   Appointment of employees
   2-102   Duties
Division 3: Department of Planning and Data Analytics
   2-103   Establishment and supervision
   2-104   Appointment of employees
   2-105   Duties
Division 4: Department of Development Services
   2-106   Establishment and supervision
   2-107   Appointment of employees
   2-108   Duties
   2-109   Building official
   2-110   Reserved
Division 5: Department of Financial Services
   2-111   Establishment; duties
   2-112   Director appointment; qualifications; compensation
   2-113   Appointment of employees
   2-114   General duties of the director
   2-115, 2-116   Reserved
   2-117   Returned check charge
   2-118   Reserved
Division 6: Department of Human Resources
   2-119   Establishment and supervision
   2-120   Appointment of employees
   2-121   Duties
Division 7: Department of Property Management
   2-122   Establishment and supervision
   2-123   Appointment of employees
   2-124   Duties
Division 8: Department of Aviation
   2-125   Establishment, supervision and funding
   2-126   Appointment of employees
   2-127   Duties
Division 9: Department of Municipal Court Services
   2-128   Establishment and supervision
   2-129   Appointment of employees
   2-130   Duties
Division 10: Fire Department
   2-131   Established
   2-132   Appointment of employees
   2-133   Duties
Division 11: Department of Public Libraries
   2-134   Established; supervision
   2-135   Duties
   2-136   Appointment of employees
Division 12: Department of Park and Recreation
   2-137   Established
   2-138   Duties
   2-139   Appointment of employees
Division 13: Police Department
   2-140   Established
   2-141   Duties
   2-142   Executive assistance chief
Division 14: Department of Code Compliance
   2-143   Established
   2-144   Duties
   2-145   Appointment of employees
Division 15: Department of Transportation and Public Works
   2-146   Established
   2-147   Director—Appointment; salary; qualifications
   2-148   Same—Powers and duties
   2-149   Appointment of employees
Division 16: Department of Water
   2-150   Established
   2-151   Duties
   2-152   Appointment of employees
Division 17: Department of Communications and Public Engagement
   2-153   Established
   2-154   Duties
   2-155   Appointment of employees
   2-156—2-160   Reserved
Division 18: Department of Public Events
   2-161   Established; director
   2-162   Appointment of employees
   2-163   Duties of director
Division 19: Department of Economic Development
   2-164   Establishment and supervision of department
   2-165   Department employees
   2-166   Department duties
   2-167—2-170   Reserved
Division 20: Department of Neighborhood Services
   2-171   Establishment and supervision of department
   2-172   Department employees
   2-173   Department duties
Division 21: Department of Environmental Services
   2-174   Creation and establishment of department of environmental services
   2-175   Appointment of employees
   2-176   Duties
Article V: Human Resources
   2-177   Reserved
   2-178   Merit system
   2-179   Merit principles
   2-180   Coverage of the system
   2-181   Dismissal, suspension or demotion
   2-182   Disciplinary appeal process
   2-183   Designation of hearing officer
   2-184   Personnel rules and regulations
   2-185   Certification of payroll vouchers
   2-186   Political activities
   2-187   Unlawful acts
   2-188   Penalties
   2-189   Residency requirements for city employees; standards for response by certain city employees to civil emergencies
   2-190   Retired employee health coverage
   2-191—2-200   Reserved
Article VI: Reserved
   2-201—2-235   Reserved
Article VII: Code of Ethics
Division 1: Generally
   2-236   Declaration of policy
   2-237   Definitions
   2-238   Standards of conduct
   2-239   Disclosure of interest
   2-239.1   Effect of written opinion of city attorney
Division 2: Ethics Review Commission
   2-240   Creation and organization
   2-241   Jurisdiction and powers; meetings
   2-242   Staffing
   2-243   Reserved
Division 3: Hearing Officers
   2-244   Appointments
   2-245   Jurisdiction and powers
   2-246   Reserved
Division 4: Disposition of Alleged Violations; Hearings
   2-247   Complaints
   2-248   Legal counsel
   2-249   Reserved
   2-250   Standards of conduct
   2-251   Hearings
   2-252   Sanctions to be imposed or recommended
   2-253   Appeal of certain determinations
   2-254   Criminal penalties
   2-255   Subpoenas
   2-256   Evidence of criminal conduct
   2-257   Postponement of hearings in certain cases
   2-258—2-260   Reserved
Division 5: Financial Disclosure by Officers and Candidates
   2-261   Definitions
   2-262   Personal financial statement
   2-263   Forms for statements
   2-264   Public records; inspection
   2-265—2-275   Reserved
Article VIII: Records Management
   2-276   Policy
   2-277   Scope
   2-278   Definitions
   2-279   Records management program
   2-280   Municipal archive
   2-281   City records
   2-282   Prohibitions on destruction of city records
   2-283   Duties of the city council
   2-284   Duties of the city manager
   2-285   Records management officer
   2-286   Records management policy committee
   2-287   Records management plan
   2-288   Department director duties
   2-289   Departmental records liaison officers
   2-289.1   Records control schedules
   2-289.2   Destruction of city records
   2-289.3   City right to city records
   2-289.4   Criminal offense
Article IX: Personal Liability Indemnity Plan
   2-290   Definitions
   2-291   Coverage
   2-292   Cooperation of plan member required
   2-293   Limits of coverage
   2-294   Exclusions
   2-295   Subrogation
   2-296   Defense and legal representation
   2-297   No defenses waived
   2-298   No creation of cause of action
   2-299   City motor vehicle coverage
   2-300   Reserved
Article X: Reserved
   2-301—2-303   Reserved
Article XI: Reserved
   2-310—2-320   Reserved
Article XII: Fee Schedules
   2-321   Development application fees
   2-322   Penalties and mitigation fees
ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL
§ 2-1 CITY COUNCIL—SPECIAL MEETINGS.
   The mayor, mayor pro tem or any three of the council members may call a special meeting of the city council to be held at such hour and date as may be specified in the notice calling such meeting, which notice must be given to each member of the council personally, if possible, after reasonable effort has been exerted; otherwise, notice for the purpose in this section shall be deemed sufficient if a written notice calling such meeting is left at either the business or residence address of each member prior to the time such meeting is held.
(1964 Code, § 2-2)
Charter reference:
   Meetings, see Ch. III, § 5
   Nominating and electing members of council, see Ch. IV, §§ 1 through 3
§ 2-2 SAME—VOTING, RULES OF PROCEDURE.
   No member of the city council shall be excused from voting except on matters involving the consideration of his or her own official conduct, or where his or her financial interests are involved. The council shall determine its own rules of procedure, and may punish its members for misconduct, and may compel the attendance of absent members.
(1964 Code, § 2-2.1) (Ord. 8613, § 1, passed 8-3-1982)
§ 2-3 INQUIRIES INTO OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES—AUTHORITY OF CITY.
   The city council, the city manager or any person or committee authorized by either the city council or the city manager, or both of them, shall have power to inquire into the conduct of any department, office, officer or employee of the city, to make investigations as to city affairs, and, for that purpose, the mayor, city manager or any member of such committee may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths and compel the production of books, papers and other evidence material to such inquiry. Such subpoena or subpoena duces tecum may be served by any police officer of the city or any sheriff or constable of the state, or by any person deputized or authorized to do so by the mayor, city manager or any member of the committee.
(1964 Code, § 2-3)
§ 2-4 SAME—UNCOOPERATIVE WITNESSES.
   Every person who voluntarily appears, or who, having been summoned as a witness by the authority of the city council or the city manager, or both of them, to give testimony or to produce books, papers and other evidence material to the inquiry being conducted by the city council, city manager or any committee authorized by either the city council or the city manager, or both of them, willfully makes default or refuses to answer any question pertinent to the matter under investigation, or refuses to obey any subpoenas or fails to produce books, papers and other evidence required by them, or any of them, shall be deemed guilty of contempt and may be fined as provided in § 1-6 of this code.
(1964 Code, § 2-4)
Charter reference:
   Council to provide by ordinance penalties for failure to comply with subpoenas or furnish books, etc., in connection with investigation, see Ch. V, § 7
§ 2-5 SAME—ATTACHMENTS AND OTHER APPROPRIATE WRITS.
   The mayor, city manager or any member of any committee authorized under § 2-3 shall have the power to issue and have executed attachments and other appropriate writs to enforce the jurisdiction conferred by §§ 2-3 and 2-4 of this chapter.
(1964 Code, § 2-5)
§ 2-6 DISPOSITION OF COLLECTED MONEY.
   It shall be the duty of all officers and employees collecting or obtaining money from any other person, belonging to the city, or of which the city may be custodian, to promptly deliver to and deposit such money with the city treasurer.
(1964 Code, § 2-6)
§ 2-7 PAYMENT OF CITY TAXES.
   It shall be the duty of every person owing any taxes to the city to pay the same at the office of the city assessor-collector of taxes before the last day of December of the same year for which the assessment on which such taxes are due is made.
(1964 Code, § 2-7)
Cross-reference:
   City taxation generally, see Ch. 32
§ 2-8 TAX CERTIFICATES.
   The assessor-collector of taxes, or his or her authorized deputy shall, upon request, issue a certificate showing the amount of taxes and penalty due, if any, on property located within the city and described in such certificate. A charge of $4 shall be made for each separate lot, tract or parcel of land certified to by the assessor-collector of taxes or his or her authorized deputy.
(1964 Code, § 2-8)
Cross-reference:
   City taxation generally, see Ch. 32
Statutory reference:
   V.T.C.A., see Tax Code § 31.08
§ 2-9 CONTRACT EXECUTION; AMENDMENTS; CHANGE ORDERS.
   (a)   Except as otherwise provided herein, all contracts, including claim and lawsuit settlement agreements, to which the city is a party shall be approved by the city council prior to execution by the city manager. As used in this section, the term CITY MANAGER shall also include assistant city manager.
   (b)   The city council hereby adopts and the city manager is authorized to implement:
      (1)   Use of the best value selection criteria for eligible transactions as authorized by state law;
      (2)   Use of electronic bid and proposal processing, provided that appropriate rules for procedure and security have been adopted and implemented;
      (3)   Use of the online reverse auction procedure where authorized and appropriate;
      (4)   Use of interlocal contracts with entities outside the State of Texas where authorized and advantageous to the city.
   (c)   Except as otherwise provided in this section, any contract or other legal instrument for the sale, purchase or lease of real property shall be approved by the city council prior to the execution or acceptance of the city manager. The following may be executed without city council approval:
      (1)   Leases that:
         a.   1.   Involve an annual city expenditure amount not exceeding $50,000; or
            2.   Involve the city as landlord; and
         b.   1.   Have a month-to-month term; or
            2.   Have a term not exceeding 31 days; and
      (2)   Licenses, except for those that involve use of public right of way for a period in excess of six months.
   (d)   Provided that sufficient funds have previously been appropriated by the city council, the city manager may execute the following without city council approval:
      (1)   Any contract or purchase order involving an expenditure of $100,000 or less of city funds, provided that the contract award otherwise complies with applicable state law;
      (2)   Any amendment or change order to a contract or purchase order involving an expenditure of $100,000 or less of city funds, except that the city manager may not execute any of the following without city council approval:
         a.   An amendment or change order that causes the total expenditure under the contract or purchase order to exceed $100,000 or any subsequent amendment or change order that causes the total expenditure under the contract or purchase order to exceed $100,000 since the last amendment approved by the City Council;
         b.   An amendment or change order to any non-public works contract or purchase order over $50,000 that is subject to the competitive procurement requirements under Tex. Local Government Code Chapter 252; or
         c.   An amendment or change order to any public works contract over $50,000 that is subject to the competitive procurement requirements under Tex. Local Government Code Chapter 252, and that was originally advertised before September 1, 2011.
      (3)   Any contract or other legal instrument for the lease, license or use of facilities at the Will Rogers Memorial Center;
      (4)   Any contract or other legal instrument for the lease, license or use of facilities at the Fort Worth Convention Center;
      (5)   The vacation of a water, sanitary sewer, public or quasi-public utility or drainage easement;
      (6)   Temporary and permanent easements granted to the city and valued at less than $100,000;
      (7)   Consent agreements for encroachments into public property which comply with the Building Code § 7-47 adopting, among other things, Chapter 3210 of the International Building Code; and provided further, that the city manager may authorize the building official and development services director to execute such agreements;
      (8)   Any contract for the purchase of electricity provided that:
         a.   The term of any such contract does not exceed 120 months; and
         b.   Sufficient funds have previously been appropriated by the city council for that purpose.
      (9)   Any contract for an emergency procurement. An EMERGENCY PROCUREMENT is defined as a procurement made because of a public calamity that requires the immediate appropriation of money to relieve the necessity of the city's residents or to preserve the property of the municipality; a procurement necessary to preserve or protect the public health or safety of the city's residents; or a procurement necessary because of unforeseen damage to public machinery, equipment or other property, and is exempt from the competitive procurement requirements pursuant to Tex. Local Government Code Chapter 252, as amended; and
      (10)   Any contract or other legal instrument for the construction and/or maintenance of a stormwater management facility in accordance with all standards and ordinances then in force and effect.
      (11)   Any contract or other legal instrument necessary to provide public assistance from funds available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, as may be amended, or from funds available under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, as may be amended.
   (e)   Any contract for which the best value selection criteria are not authorized, that is submitted to competitive bids and is proposed to be awarded to a bidder other than the lowest bidder shall be approved by the city council before execution by the city manager.
(Ord. 20533-12-2012, § 1, passed 12-11-2012; Ord. 21284-06-2014, § 1, passed 6-10-2014; Ord. 22556-12-2016, § 1, passed 12-13-2016, eff. 1-1-2017; Ord. 23946-11-2019, § 1, passed 11-19-2019; Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 22, passed 2-4-2020; Ord. 24166-04-2020, § 1, passed 4-29-2020; Ord. 24719-02-2021, § 1, passed 2-23-2021; Ord. 24830-05-2021, § 1, passed 5-11-2021)
§ 2-10 REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN APPOINTED CITY OFFICIALS AND THEIR DEPARTMENTS.
   (a)   As used in this section, APPOINTED CITY OFFICIAL shall mean the following officials who are appointed by the city council: city manager, city attorney, city secretary, city internal auditor and judges of the municipal courts.
   (b)   The city council shall annually evaluate appointed city officials on or before September 15 of each year.
   (c)   Annual budgets of departments which are headed by appointed city officials shall be submitted as part of the city manager’s proposed budget. The budgets of these departments shall be subject to the same administrative review as other city departments before such budgets are reviewed by the city council. Final adoption of the budgets for these departments shall be by the city council.
   (d)   Departments which are headed by appointed city officials shall be subject to the same fiscal and budgetary policies as other city departments.
   (e)   Except when otherwise provided in the City Charter or the city code, appointed city officials and the employees in their departments shall be governed by the personnel rules of the city and the classification plan for city employees.
(Ord. 10910, § 1, passed 9-3-1991)
§ 2-11 RESERVED.
Editor’s note:
Section 1 of Ord. 21917-09-2015, adopted September 29, 2015, repealed § 2-11, Intradepartmental transfer of funds for capital improvement projects, derived from § 1 of Ord. 11444, adopted November 19, 1993. See also Code Comparative Table.
§ 2-12 REIMBURSEMENT OF NECESSARY EXPENSES INCURRED BY MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL IN PERFORMANCE OF THEIR OFFICIAL DUTIES.
   (a)   Purpose. The City Charter provides that the city shall pay all necessary expenses incurred by members of the city council in the performance of their official duties. This section establishes procedures to be followed in reimbursing members of the city council for such expenses.
   (b)   Applicability. This section applies to reimbursement of members of the city council for all necessary expenses incurred by the city council in performance of their official duties.
   (c)   Definitions.
      NECESSARY EXPENSES.
         a.   Expenses that are reasonable and necessary for a member of the city council to incur in the performance of his or her official duties. Such expenses may include, but are not limited to, expenditures for personal automobile usage, telephone calls and postage and costs of travel related to official city business.
         b.   NECESSARY EXPENSES do not include expenditures for:
            1.   Political advertising or political purposes;
            2.   Personal entertainment;
            3.    Compensation of additional council assistants or personnel to assist a council member; or
            4.   Personal expenditures that are not related to a council member's official duties.
      POLITICAL ADVERTISING. A communication supporting or opposing a candidate for nomination or election to a public office or office of a political party, a political party, a public office or a measure that:
         a.   In return for consideration, is published in a newspaper, magazine or periodical or is broadcast by radio or television; and/or
         b.   Appears in a letter, pamphlet, circular, flier, billboard or other sign, bumper sticker or similar form of written communication.
   (d)   Procedures.
      (1)   The annual budget shall include a specified amount which shall be available to reimburse each member of the city council for necessary expenses that he or she incurs during the fiscal year.
      (2)   In adopting this section, the city council agrees to follow procedures to be adopted by the city manager that address reimbursement of travel and non-travel related out-of-pocket expenses for elected officials with such policy to provide for basic documentation of such expenses, including required receipts.
      (3)   Reimbursement forms completed in accordance with the city manager's policy shall be reviewed by the chief of staff or deputy chief of staff for the mayor and city council. That review shall consist of ensuring forms are complete and determining whether budgeted funds are available to pay the amount shown. Following this review, the reimbursement request shall be forwarded to city staff charged with processing accounts payable for payment.
(Ord. 12654, § 1, passed 9-3-1996; Ord. 24815-04-2021, § 1, passed 4-20-2021)
§ 2-13 CONVEYANCE OF TAX FORECLOSURE PROPERTY TO ELIGIBLE HOUSING NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOW INCOME HOUSING.
   (a)   Definitions.
      AFFORDABLE HOUSING. Housing is considered affordable if the monthly housing cost does not exceed 30% of the household’s monthly gross income. For homebuyers, housing cost includes the payment of principal, interest, taxes and insurance. For renters, it means the amount of rent paid, not to exceed the fair market rent for comparable units in the area as determined by HUD. For multifamily projects, at least 20% of the units should be affordable to low income households.
      APPLICATION FEE. A non-refundable $100 fee charged by the city to process the application of an eligible housing nonprofit organization for the conveyance of tax foreclosure property in accordance with this section.
      COSTS AND EXPENSES. Costs and expenses shall mean the costs and expenses as provided in Tex. Tax Code §§ 34.02 and 34.06.
      ELIGIBLE HOUSING NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION. A current and active nonprofit organization which meets the following requirements:
         a.   1.   A nonprofit corporation described by 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) that:
               i.   Has been incorporated in the State of Texas for at least one year;
               ii.   Has a corporate purpose to develop affordable housing that is stated in its articles of incorporation, bylaws or Charter;
               iii.   Has at least one-fourth of its board of directors residing in Fort Worth; or
               iv.   Engages primarily in the building, repair, rental or sale of housing for low income individuals and families (“low income households”).
            2.   A nonprofit organization that develops housing for low income households as a primary activity to promote community-based neighborhood revitalization in the City of Fort Worth.
         b.   Has a satisfactory record in leasing, acquiring, building or rehabilitating residential property and selling the property to low income households for the two years immediately preceding the application;
         c.   Demonstrates financial and management capacity to complete projects on the property after acquisition;
         d.   Has the capability, upon conveyance of the property, to obtain insurance to cover liabilities that may arise out of holding and developing the property; and
         e.   Has a designated person authorized by its board of directors as signatory on behalf of the organization.
      ELIGIBLE PROPERTY. Real property obtained by the city following the foreclosure of a tax lien in favor of the city and other taxing entities that is capable of being developed for low income housing.
      HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AS A PRIMARY ACTIVITY. A nonprofit organization is considered to develop housing for low income households as a “primary activity” or “engaged primarily” in housing development activities for low income households if it:
         a.   Has as a corporate purpose of developing and managing affordable housing for low income households as stated in its articles of incorporation or bylaws;
         b.   More than 50% of its budget or actual expenditures is related to housing development activities for low income households; or
         c.   Has a comprehensive or strategic revitalization or redevelopment plan which is approved, recognized or acknowledged by the city and includes the provision of housing development activities for low income households as a major strategy.
      LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS. Individuals and/or families whose annual incomes do not exceed 80% of the median income for the area with adjustments for family size, as determined and updated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”).
      TAX APPRAISAL VALUE. The value of a specific parcel of property as determined by the Tarrant appraisal district as of January 1 of the year the property is conveyed to an eligible housing nonprofit organization or by an independent certified appraiser.
      TAX RESALE DEED WITHOUT WARRANTY. The legal instrument used by the city to transfer its interest and that of all the other taxing entities in the property to an eligible housing nonprofit organization pursuant to this section.
   (b)   Method of sale.
      (1)   The city may sell eligible property to an eligible housing nonprofit organization for the development of low income housing for an amount that is less than the lesser of:
         a.   The market value specified in the judgment of foreclosure; or
         b.   The total amount of judgments against the property.
      (2)   In general, the property shall be transferred to an eligible housing nonprofit organization for an amount equal to 20% of the tax appraisal value of the property plus costs and expenses. Provided, the property management department may in extraordinary circumstances recommend a higher or lower purchase price, but in no case shall the property be conveyed for less than the total of the costs and expenses incurred on the property.
      (3)   All conveyance shall be approved by the city council.
   (c)   Reserved.
   (d)   Application fee. The city shall charge an application fee for the processing of each application for the conveyance of eligible property.
   (e)   Procedure of sale. The property management department may develop procedures to implement this section.
(Ord. 13533, § 1, passed 7-28-1998; Ord. 18320-09-2008, §§ 3, 4, passed 9-30-2008; Ord. 21650-02-2015, § 6, passed 2-17-2015)
§ 2-14 PROCEDURES FOR GRANTING LOCAL PREFERENCES IN PURCHASING AND CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY AND SERVICES.
   (a)   Definitions. The words and phrases defined in this section have the following meanings:
      LOCAL BUSINESS. A business with a principal place of business within the corporate limits of the City of Fort Worth.
      PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS.
         a.   A facility that is fully operational and has sufficient equipment, supplies and personnel to provide the product or service of the business in question to clients in the city without significant reliance on the resources of another entity or affiliate or of an auxiliary facility of the business which is located outside the corporate limits of the city.
         b.   A location utilized solely as a post office box, mail drop or telephone message center, or
any combination thereof, with no other substantial function, shall not be construed as a principal place of business.
   (b)   Contracts for personal property or services in an amount greater than $50,000 and less than $500,000 using lowest responsible bidder criteria. In purchasing any personal property that is not affixed to real property or services, if the city receives one or more competitive bids from a bidder that is a local business and whose bid is within 5% of the lowest bid price received by the city from a bidder that is not a local business, the city may enter into a contract for an amount greater than $50,000 but less than $500,000 with:
      (1)   The lowest bidder; or
      (2)   The bidder that is a local business as defined herein, provided the city council determines, in writing, that awarding to the local bidder offers the city the best combination of contract price and economic development opportunities.
   (c)   Contracts for personal property in an amount equal to or greater than $500,000 using lowest responsible bidder criteria. In purchasing any personal property that is not affixed to real property, if the city receives one or more competitive bids from a bidder that is a local business and whose bid is within 3% of the lowest bid price received by the city from a bidder that is not a local business, the city may enter into a contract for an amount equal to or greater than $500,000 with:
      (1)   The lowest bidder; or
      (2)   The bidder that is a local business as defined herein, provided the city council determines, in writing, that awarding to the local bidder offers the city the best combination of contract price and economic development opportunities.
   (d)   Contracts for construction services in an amount between $50,000 and $99,999.99 using lowest responsible bidder criteria. In purchasing any construction services if the city receives one or more competitive bids from a bidder that is a local business and whose bid is within 5% of the lowest bid price received by the city from a bidder that is not a local business, the city may enter into a contract in an amount greater than $50,000.00 but less than $99,999.99 with:
      (1)   The lowest responsible bidder; or
      (2)   A responsible bidder that is a local business as defined herein provided the city council determines that awarding to the local bidder offers the city the best combination of contract price and economic development opportunities.
   (e)   Contracts for services, construction services, or personal property procured using the best value criteria. The city finds that awarding more contracts to local businesses can provide additional value to the city in the form of increased local capacity that allows the city to: (1) maintain and expand an able and competitive pool of businesses from which to procure goods and services; (2) improve employment opportunities for city residents; and (3) increase tax revenues to the city. Therefore, when procuring any services construction services, or personal property that is not affixed to real property, in determining the best value for the city, the city may consider, in addition to other relevant criteria as may be determined by the city:
      (1)   The bidder's principal place of business, if specifically included in the request for bids or proposals.
   (f)   Exceptions.
      (1)   This § 2-14 does not apply to the acquisition of:
         a.   Personal property that is not affixed to real property or services that are not acquired pursuant to Tex. Local Government Code Title 8; or
         b.   Professional services.
      (2)   Unless specifically allowed by federal law, this § 2-14 does not apply to any contract in which the federal government participates in the form of a grant or loan, or the city acts as a conduit for federal money.
      (3)   Section 2-14(b) herein does not apply to the purchase of telecommunications services or information services, as those terms are defined by 47 U.S.C. § 153.
   (g)   Rejection of all bids. This section does not prohibit the city from rejecting all bids.
(Ord. 20645-03-2013, § 1, passed 3-5-2013; Ord. 25533-06-2022, § 1, passed 6-14-2022)
§ 2-15 FORMER CITY OFFICERS.
   (a)   Definitions. For purposes of this section:
      DEPARTURE DATE means the last day of employment with the city. When leave time is taken prior to termination, the departure date is the last day of the leave period.
      FORMER CITY OFFICER shall mean any person, who immediately prior to his or her departure date with the city, was:
         a.   The city manager, assistant city manager, city attorney, city secretary, city auditor, municipal judge or municipal pro tem judge;
         b.   A director or assistant director of a city department; or
         c.   An employee of the city who had substantial and personal involvement in the handling of a matter as defined herein.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a FORMER CITY OFFICER does not include any individual whose employment with the city was terminated or eliminated due to job outsourcing.
      JOB OUTSOURCING means the transfer under an arrangement overseen by the city manager of an individual's job duties with the city to another entity that will employ that individual to carry out the same or similar job duties.
      SUBSTANTIAL AND PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT means that a person, either as a person assigned to handle or participate in the handling of the matter or as a supervisor making decisions with respect to the matter, exercised discretion or decision-making in the handling of a matter.
   (b)   No former city officer shall, during the one year period following his or her departure date from the city, communicate directly with a member of the city council, a city employee, or a board or commission to influence municipal legislation or administrative action unless lobbying on behalf of another governmental agency as its employee or as a consultant under contract with the governmental agency. This subsection does not apply to a board or commission that is only advisory in nature.
   (c)   No former city officer shall, within one year period following his or her departure date, enter into a contractual relationship with the city or hold more than a 20% interest in any entity that has a contractual relationship with the city. Any violation of this subsection, with knowledge, express or implied of the person or entity will render the contract voidable by the city manager or the city council. If the contract is voided, the individual or company shall be barred from additional contracting with the city for a period of three years. This subsection does not apply to contracts awarded on a competitive bid basis.
   (d)   A former city officer shall be prohibited from communicating directly with the mayor, a member of the city council or a city employee in an attempt to secure access to information not otherwise available to the general public.
   (e)   Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit a former city officer from accepting employment with the city or another entity following his departure date.
   (f)   Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit a former city officer from serving on a city board or commission.
   (g)   A former city officer is afforded the same rights as any citizen to address the city council in public meetings for their own benefit or to make uncompensated direct communications to the city council relating to matters of purely civic or public concern
   (h)   Any violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500 for each offense. Each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense.
(Ord. 23981-12-2019, § 1, passed 12-10-2019, eff. 12-18-2019)
§§ 2-16—2-25 RESERVED.
ARTICLE II: APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Charter reference:
   City secretary, see Ch. III, § 7
Statutory reference:
   Home rule cities’ authority to create offices, see Tex. Local Government Code § 26.041
DIVISION I. CITY MANAGER
§ 2-26 CITY MANAGER.
   Per the City Charter, the council shall appoint the city manager, who shall be the chief administrative and executive officer of the city. The city manager shall have all the powers and duties as outlined in the City Charter. Appointment, compensation, removal and all other matters concerning the city manager shall be controlled by the provisions in the City Charter.
(Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 1, passed 2-4-2020)
§ 2-27 DIVISIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER.
   The City Manager's Office currently consists of four divisions: Administration, Mayor and Council, Governmental Relations, and the Directions Home program. The City Manager shall have the authority to add or delete divisions or revise the structure of the current divisions as s/he deems necessary for the efficient operation of the office.
   (a)   Administration.
      (1)   Administers the programs and policies established by the City Council; directs and coordinates the operations of the city departments; informs and advises the City Council regarding city transactions, existing conditions and future requirements, oversees the 100x25 Reading Instruction Program and the Independent Police Monitor.
      (2)   Independent Police Monitor. The Independent Police Monitor will advise the City Manager and Assistant City Manager on strategic policy matters as it relates to the Police Department, will track the internal investigations and community complaints and produce reports for the City Manager and the police chief. The Independent Police Monitor will also lead the long-term operational planning for the Office of the Independent Police Monitor. The duties and responsibilities of the Independent Police Monitor will include:
         a.   Establishing and implementing the independent investigative process to receive and review formal citizen complaints of the Police Department or its staff separate from Internal Affairs while maintaining communication with the Fort Worth Police Department and the Internal Affairs Division;
         b.   Providing ongoing assurance that internal investigations by law enforcement are thorough, fair, and unbiased and that police practices in this regard are transparent;
         c.   Reviewing the strategic planning/ long-range policy, practices and training of the Police Department to provide feedback and advice;
         d.   Demonstrating a proactive approach when interacting with the community, keeping the community informed about the work of the Office of the Independent Police Monitor, the City's role and oversight of the Police Department and Police-related activities impacting the community;
         e.   Increasing communication from geographic locations in the city made up of majority-minority populations to listen to their issues and receive input directly from Fort Worth citizens;
         f.   Reviewing formal complaints that have been made against officers and monitors or participates in internal investigations which may include an independent investigative component.
         g.   Examining broad patterns in investigations and recommends policy changes; and
         h.   Requesting and initiating professional review of individual or systemic issues concerning race, culture and diversity within the Police Department or of Police Department practices.
   (b)   The Mayor and Council Office. Supports the City Council with a full-time staff and council aides, providing oversight of office operations, handles citizen interactions, drafts correspondence and speeches, and handling on various special projects.
   (c)   The Governmental Relations Division. Researches and assists in the passage of federal and state legislative initiatives that favorably affect the City of Fort Worth and its citizens.
   (d)   The Directions Home Division . Responsible for the Directions Home Program - the city's ten-year plan to make chronic and persistent homelessness non-existent in the City of Fort Worth.
(Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 1, passed 2-4-2020)
DIVISION II. CITY ATTORNEY
§ 2-28 CITY ATTORNEY.
   Per the City Charter, the city attorney, whose appointment shall be recommended by the city manager and approved by the council, shall serve as the director of the department of law, and shall have power to appoint such assistants as may be deemed necessary to assist in performing the duties as outlines in the City Charter. Appointment, compensation, removal and all other matters concerning the city attorney shall be controlled by the provisions in the City Charter.
(Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 1, passed 2-4-2020)
DIVISION III. CITY SECRETARY
§ 2-29 CITY SECRETARY.
   The City Council shall appoint a city secretary, prescribe the duties and compensation and provide assistants as needed. Appointment, compensation, removal and all other matters concerning the city secretary shall be controlled by the provisions in the City Charter.
(Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 1, passed 2-4-2020)
§ 2-30 COPYING, TYPING, MATERIALS, FEE.
   (a)   (1)   The city secretary may charge fees for researching, locating, preparation and copying of public records and public information as provided by the regulations and laws of the State of Texas governing such fees, as same may be amended from time to time. In addition, the following fees may be charged for the typing of any papers:
 
Type/Size
Fee
8-1/2 × 11
$2 per sheet
11 × 14
$2.50 per sheet
Transcripts
$5 per sheet
 
      (2)   If any of the above papers are to be mailed by the city secretary a $1 handling fee and a fee for postage will be charged.
   (b)   No charge shall be required of any city official for copies to be used by him or her in connection with his or her duties as such official.
(Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 1, passed 2-4-2020)
§ 2-31 DISPOSITION OF FEES.
   Any money collected by the city secretary under the provisions of § 2-30 shall be deposited by him or her with the city treasurer to the credit of the city.
(Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 1, passed 2-4-2020)
§ 2-32 ASSISTANT CITY SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT TO THE CITY SECRETARY—OFFICES CREATED.
   The offices of assistant city secretary and assistant to the city secretary are hereby created and established.
(Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 1, passed 2-4-2020)
§ 2-33 SAME—DUTY IN ABSENCE OF CITY SECRETARY.
   In case of the absence, death, resignation or permanent disability of the city secretary or whenever a vacancy in the office of city secretary shall occur for any reason, the assistant secretary or assistant to the city secretary shall act as city secretary and possess all the rights and powers of the city secretary and perform all the duties under the official title of assistant city secretary or assistant to the city secretary until the city secretary returns to his or her duties or until an appointment is made by the city council to fill the vacancy.
(Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 1, passed 2-4-2020)
DIVISION IV. CITY AUDITOR
§ 2-34 ESTABLISHED.
   Pursuant to Chapter XXVII of the City Charter, there shall be a department of internal audit.
(Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 1, passed 2-4-2020)
§ 2-35 CITY INTERNAL AUDITOR, APPOINTMENT, QUALIFICATION, COMPENSATION.
   The department of internal audit shall be under the direction and control of the city internal auditor, who shall be recommended by the city manager and appointed by the city council. The city internal auditor must be a person knowledgeable in public financial and fiscal theory, municipal accounting and auditing, and public administration. The city internal auditor's compensation shall be fixed by the city council.
(Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 1, passed 2-4-2020)
§ 2-36 TERM; REMOVAL; ABSENCE OR DISABILITY OF CITY INTERNAL AUDITOR.
   The city internal auditor shall not be appointed for a definite fixed time but shall be removable at the will and pleasure of the city council by a vote of not less than a majority of the entire council. If removed after serving six months, the city internal auditor may demand written charges and the right to be heard thereon at a public meeting of the city council prior to the date on which the city internal auditor's final removal shall take effect, but pending such hearing the city council may suspend the city internal auditor from office. The action of the city council in suspending or removing the city internal auditor shall be final. In case of the absence or disability of the city internal auditor, the city council may designate some qualified person to perform the duties of the office.
(Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 1, passed 2-4-2020)
§ 2-37 ADMINISTRATION, POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AUDIT.
   (a)   Subject to the City Charter, city council oversight of general and administrative matters pertaining to the department of internal audit may be delegated as appropriate. The city council or its delegatee may assign signature authority for routine administrative matters to the city manager or his or her designee. The department of internal audit shall be subject to the budgetary, personnel and general administrative regulations of the city as established by the city manager. The internal auditor may appeal an administrative determination of the city manager to the city council or its delegatee.
   (b)   The department of internal audit shall have the following duties and responsibilities.
      (1)   No less than 30 days prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the department of internal audit shall submit an annual audit plan to the city council or its delegatee for review and comment.
         a.   1.   The plan shall be based on:
               i.    Requests from city council, city manager's office and department heads;
               ii.   A risk assessment of all city activities which shall be performed by the internal audit department each year prior to the completion of the annual audit plan;
               iii.    Suggestions from internal audit department staff based on their knowledge of city activities or observations made during the performance of other audits; and
               iv.   Other relevant criteria agreed to by the city council or its delegatee and the city internal auditor.
            2.   The annual audit plan shall include a block of unassigned hours (the number to be approved by city council) which shall be used to perform special audits, investigations and/or projects requested by city council and/or city manager.
         b.   The annual audit plan may be amended during the year, following notification of the city council and due provision for comment.
         c.   If the city internal auditor determines there is serious concern regarding fraud, abuse or illegality, or that the scope of an audit in progress should be expanded as the result of any findings, the city internal auditor is authorized to initiate spontaneously and conduct, or expand the scope of, an audit beyond that approved in the audit plan. Any changes made under this provision shall be communicated to the city council or its delegatee as soon as feasible, but not later than its next scheduled meeting.
      (2)   The department shall conduct the following types of audits, varying in scope as required, on an ongoing basis.
         a.   Financial-related audits. The department shall conduct financial-related audits of all city activities, designed to evaluate whether:
            1.   The entity is maintaining effective control over revenues, expenditures, assets and liabilities and financial operations;
            2.   The entity is properly accounting for resources, liabilities and operations;
            3.   The entity is using accounting methods and procedures which conform to established policies, practices and guidelines; and/or
            4.   The official financial statements fairly present the financial results of operations and the financial position of the entity.
         b.   Compliance audits. The department shall conduct compliance audits of all city activities, designed to evaluate whether:
            1.   All activities are properly authorized;
            2.   All activities required by law or policy are being carried out;
            3.   The management system provides the capacity for adequate control of compliance with applicable laws and policies; and/or
            4.   Operations actually conform to applicable laws and policies.
         c.   Contractor/vendor audits. The department shall conduct financial-related and compliance audits of contractors and vendors doing business with the city to determine whether materials furnished, work performed and/or prices charged accord with the terms of the contracts involved.
         d.   Electronic data processing audits. The department shall conduct audits of the electronic data processing activities of the city.
      (3)   The department shall conduct performance audits of all city activities. The department shall conduct special audits, investigations and projects at the request of the city council or the city manager.
         a.   Performance audits. The department shall conduct performance audits of all city activities, designed to determine:
            1.   Whether the audited entity is managing or utilizing its resources, including public funds, personnel, property, equipment and space in an economical and efficient manner;
            2.   The causes of inefficiencies or uneconomical practices, such as problems or inadequacies in organizational structures, management information systems, internal or administrative procedures, purchasing policies and/or in allocation of personnel, resources and equipment; and
            3.   Whether the desired results are being achieved.
         b.   Special audits. The department shall conduct special audits, investigations and projects when requested to do so by the city council or the city manager, with the scope of same to be determined by the request.
      (4)   The department shall participate in the planning, design, development, implementation and operation of major computer systems in the city to evaluate whether:
         a.   Adequate controls are incorporated in the systems;
         b.   Thorough system testing is performed at appropriate stages;
         c.   System documentation is complete and accurate; and/or
         d.   The needs of user entities are met.
      (5)   The department shall notify the city council or its delegatee when audits in progress identify areas which may require the use of additional resources (city staff from other departments or outside consultants) to address serious operational problems.
   (c)   In the performance of its duties, the department of internal audit shall have access to all books and records of all departments, agencies and programs of the city and to all officers, agents or employees of the city.
   (d)   All city contracts and subcontracts shall contain a "right to audit" clause. This clause shall provide that the city and the city internal auditor shall have access to and the right to examine all necessary books, papers, documents, records and personnel of parties who contract with the city or who subcontract under a city contract. NECESSARY BOOKS, PAPERS, DOCUMENTS, RECORDS AND PERSONNEL are those which pertain to city contracts and subcontracts and are required to evaluate compliance with the terms of those contracts and subcontracts.
(Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 1, passed 2-4-2020)
§ 2-38 APPOINTMENT OF EMPLOYEES.
   Within the budget approval process and personnel procedures established by the city council for all departments, the city internal auditor shall have the power to appoint, employ and remove such assistants, employees and personnel as he or she may deem necessary for the efficient administration of the affairs of the department of internal audit and to prescribe and fix their duties, scope of authority and qualifications.
(Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 1, passed 2-4-2020)
§§ 2-39—2-45 RESERVED.
ARTICLE III: BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Cross-reference:
Airport zoning regulations board of adjustment, see § 3-204
Building standards commission, see § 7-99
City library advisory board, see § 19-22
Construction and fire prevention board of appeals, see § 7-42
Emergency physicians advisory board, see §§ 5-16 et seq.
Human relations commission, see §§ 17-16 et seq.
Park and recreation advisory board, see §§ 24-42 et seq.
Parking violations bureau, see §§ 10-16 et seq.
Pedestrian and bicycle advisory commission, see Ord. 21707-03-2015, passed 3-24-2015
Planning and development department, see §§ 2-310 et seq.
DIVISION 1: GENERALLY
§ 2-46 ROLE OF THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
   (a)   The city secretary's office is charged with being a centralized resource for boards and commissions. In addition to other specific duties outlined below, the city secretary's office shall serve as a neutral resource to liaise among each board and commission, its departmental staff liaison, and the city council and to facilitate communication and cooperation among them.
   (b)   Training. The city secretary's office shall, in conjunction with the city attorney's office, coordinate initial and follow-up training for all board and commission members, presiding officers, and departmental staff liaisons. Each board and commission member should complete their initial training within 90 days of taking office. Training shall include, but not be limited to, the application of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Robert's Rules of Order, the Public Information Act, state and local ethics requirements, and other pertinent laws such as this article.
   (c)   Attendance. The city secretary's office shall coordinate attendance records and make reports in accordance with § 2-81.
   (d)   Rules of decorum. Each board and commission is required to incorporate the model rules of decorum into the board/commission's rules of procedure; if a board or commission does not have rules of procedure, the board or commission is required to adopt and follow the rules of decorum as a freestanding policy.
(Ord. 26353-08-2023, § 1, passed 8-8-2023)
§ 2-47 APPOINTMENT PROCESS FOR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS THAT ARE STRUCTURED UTILIZING BY-DISTRICT REPRESENTATION.
   (a)   This section shall apply to the following boards and commissions, which are composed of one representative from each city council district and one representative nominated by the mayor:
      (1)   The aviation advisory board;
      (2)   The board of adjustment;
      (3)   The building standards commission;
      (4)   The community development council;
      (5)   The historic and cultural landmarks commission;
      (6)   The library advisory board;
      (7)   The park and recreation advisory board;
      (8)   The plan commission;
      (9)   The pedestrian and bicycle advisory commission;
      (10)   The urban design commission; and
      (11)   The zoning commission.
   (b)   The city councilmember representing a district is entitled to nominate a city resident to each such board or commission with preference given to those residing in the appointing councilmember's district. The mayor is entitled to nominate a resident of the city to each such board or commission. Nominations should be made known at a work session at least one week prior to the business meeting at which the council member or mayor intends to seek action on their nomination.
   (c)   Subject to subsection (b), action on board/commission nominations shall be taken by the entire city council following a motion and second being offered.
   (d)   If any board or commission that is subject to this section has alternate members, nominations for such alternate members shall be brought forward by the mayor based on recommendations from city staff. Nominations for alternate members should be made known at a work session at least one week prior to the business meeting at which action is intended to be taken on the nomination.
(Ord. 26353-08-2023, § 2, passed 8-8-2023)
§§ 2-48—2-55 RESERVED.
DIVISION 2: ART COMMISSION AND PUBLIC ART PROGRAM
Editor’s note:
   Ord. 14794, § 1, adopted October 2, 2001, amended Div. 2, title and §§ 2-56 through 2-61, to read as herein set out. Section 2 of said ordinance repealed former §§ 2-62 through 2-66. See the Code Comparative Table.
§ 2-56 PURPOSES.
   (a)   Fort Worth art commission. The purpose and object of the art commission created by this division is to act as an advisory board to the city council relating to all questions involving public art and the Fort Worth public art program.
   (b)   Fort Worth public art program. The purposes of the Fort Worth public art program are to create an enhanced visual environment for Fort Worth residents, to commemorate the city’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity, to integrate the work of artists into the development of the city’s capital infrastructure improvements, and to promote tourism and economic vitality in the city through the artistic design of public spaces.
(Ord. 14794, § 1, passed 10-2-2001)
§ 2-57 DEFINITIONS.
   As used in this division, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
   ART or ARTWORK. Works in any permanent medium or combination of media, produced by artists who are generally recognized by critics and peers as professionals of serious intent and substantial ability.
   CITY OF FORT WORTH PUBLIC ART COLLECTION. All artworks commissioned by the City of Fort Worth through its designated public art program and artworks purchased by or donated to the City of Fort Worth that have been accepted by the City of Fort Worth into its designated public art program.
   PUBLIC ART PLAN or PLAN. The prioritized list of public art projects to be commenced during a fiscal year and the budget to effect it.
(Ord. 14794, § 1, passed 10-2-2001; Ord. 21122-02-2014, § 1, passed 2-11-2014)
§ 2-58 FORT WORTH ART COMMISSION CREATED; COMPOSITION; TERM.
   (a)   There is hereby created the Fort Worth art commission, comprised of nine members appointed by a majority vote of the City Council, with the following composition:
      (1)   Three art professionals, of which at least one must be a practicing artist and at least one a curator;
      (2)   Two design professionals; and
      (3)   Four community representatives.
   (b)   Ex-officio, non-voting members shall be the Fort Worth city manager or that person’s designee, and the director or designee of any City of Fort Worth department with an eligible project included in the Plan. Appointed members of the Fort Worth art commission shall serve without compensation. Terms shall be as prescribed in this Article for city boards and commissions. When any vacancies occur on the Fort Worth art commission by reason of death, resignation or other cause, such vacancies shall be filled in the manner provided for original appointment for the unexpired term.
(Ord. 14794, § 1, passed 10-2-2001; Ord. 21122-02-2014, § 2, passed 2-11-2014)
§ 2-59 POWERS AND DUTIES.
   The Fort Worth art commission shall advise and make recommendations to the Fort Worth city council regarding the public art program concerning the following matters:
   (a)   Administration of the public art program, including the qualifications of the entity and the scope of services necessary to administer the program;
   (b)   Public art policies and procedures;
   (c)   Artist selection juries and process;
   (d)   Commission and placement of artworks;
   (e)   Maintenance and removal of artworks; and
   (f)   Preparation of the recommendations for the annual public art plan.
(Ord. 14794, § 1, passed 10-2-2001)
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